Jerusalem

This week at the Carmel Hotel in Ramallah, our partner the Palestinian Youth Forum for Freedom and Democracy (PYFD) hosted a powerful session titled “Talk of the Town: An Inter-generational Dialogue on Key Issues Impacting Palestinian Society.” What made this gathering so special was the mix of voices in the room — participants ranged from those born in the 1970s to youth born in the 2000s. It’s rare to have such a wide generational span sitting together, exchanging ideas, and engaging in open dialogue on topics like the future of the Palestinian state, the international standing of the cause, political division, and how technology and media shape our narrative. The energy in the room was inspiring. From different perspectives came fresh insights, bold proposals, and a shared commitment to building a democratic, just society. The session ended with forward-looking, youth-driven recommendations grounded in the wisdom and experience of older generations.

🇮🇱🤝🇩🇪 Throwback: The Final Day of Our Israeli Delegation in Berlin – Key Encounters and Inspiring Moments. Our final day in Berlin was full of exchanges and meaningful discussions: 🔹 Our delegation met with the Deputy Head of the MENA Section at the German Foreign Ministry, to explore the future of bilateral relations and peace prospects in the MENA region. 🔹 We followed up with a meeting with Ahmad Mansour, Israeli-Palestinian psychologist and expert on fighting antisemitism and Islamic radicalization. Together we examined how the migration debate is reshaping public discourse and radicalizing the political landscape in Germany—from increasing terrorist attacks to the rise of the AfD. 🔹 With members of Liberal International and the leadership of FNF – Prof. Karl-Heinz Paqué and René Klaff – our Yesh Atid delegation discussed global threats to liberalism and the future of Germany’s FDP in the wake of recent electoral setbacks. The conversations also touched on how global instability affects internationally operating liberal institutions like FNF. ✨ The day ended on a high note with our annual “Speech for Freedom”, delivered by Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev. Speaking to a full house at the Allianz Forum, Ambassador Makeiev shared a resolute commitment to defending freedom and liberal values, while expressing his enduring hope for peace. His message resonated with our group, who felt the speech could have been given by Israeli opposition leader Lapid.

Easter is a time to reflect on hope, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness. In these challenging times, its message feels especially powerful — a reminder that even after the hardest winters, spring always comes. This year, we need that reassurance more than ever. May this Easter bring with it the promise of peace, the return of calm days, and the strength to rebuild together.